That is right, I’m a calvinist. If you have never heard of such then stick around. If you have heard of it then you can stick around too.
Many assumptions have been made by those who think they know but truly lack any right understanding of this term “calvinist”. First, we dont worship John Calvin and he did not create these doctrines. Second, we are not robots or puppets, we definitely make choices and are not preprogrammed, and we don’t have strings that need manipulated. Third, we aren’t doing the devils work and we aren’t preaching a doctrine from “the pit of hell” as I have been told numerous times. Which is really sad to hear knowing there is enormous biblical support for calvinism. The message of salvation is most clearly laid out in this system, much clearer than any other belief system.
Calvinism, otherwise known as The Doctrines Of Grace, is a system of belief explaining the biblical representation of Salvation and The Sovereignty of God. Generally laid out in the acrostic form as T.U.L.I.P. Each letter represents a doctrine in this system and I will list these later and give explanation and scripture references for each.
Concerning the first false assumption, John Calvin did not create or name calvinism. This name was given by the Remonstrants, followers of Jacobus Arminius. These were Dutch protestants who agreed with the theology of Arminius. Around 1610 the Remonstrants formulated a list of 5 points they disagreed with that the Calvin, who had been dead for 46 years, and all other reformers taught. During that time is was customary to label what was believed to be heresy with the persons name. So the name “Calvinism” was given. Strange enough these 5 points were preached and believed by millions before John Calvin was even born. One person in particular was the Apostle Paul, and with the references I will soon give, you will see these doctrines Paul held. In 1618-1619 the doctrines of the Remonstrants (arminianism) was condemned at the Synod of Dort. And following the rejection of Arminianism, the Synod formulated what’s known as the Canons of Dort which backed the reformed view.
Concerning the second and third assumptions, you can reference the listed scripture also. It will give a perfect representation of the state of natural man and his will, and also should prove without any doubt that it isn’t from “the pit of hell” since the amount of scripture will be quite overwhelming.
It is my hope and prayer that you use your Bible and look up the listed verses for yourselves. Take the time to check what I say against the scripture. Be honest with yourself and if you have questions, comments, or disagree with me, come to me and we will talk, but only after you have prayerfully considered everything I have said and what is written in the Word of God.
Now to the 5 points or T.U.L.I.P themselves:
T- Total Depravity- This doctrine teaches that as a result of the fall of Adam, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are incapable of coming to Christ or doing anything truly good apart from the grace of God. Man is wholly corrupted through and through but not as evil as he can fully be. [Gen. 6:5, 8:21, Isaiah 59:3, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 53:1-3, Matthew 15:19, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 8:7-8, Ephesians 2:1, John 8:34, John 3:19]
U- Unconditional Election- God’s election is unconditional. God’s choice of certain individuals for salvation was not based on any foreseen response of obedience on their part, but was based solely in His good and sovereign will. [John 6:37, Rom 8:29-30, Rom 9:11-12, Isaiah 43:20-21, Eph 1:4-5,11, Titus 1:1-2, Psalms 65:4, Matt 22:14, Acts 13:48, Rom 11:5-7, Malachi 3:16-18, 1 Pet 2:6-9, Exodus 6:7, John 15:16, Rom 9:15-18, 2 Thes 2:13, 2 Pet 1:3-4, Deut 7:6]
L- Limited Atonement- Christ’s death was designed to actually secure the salvation of all of God’s chosen people. Christ’s death secured and actually accomplished the salvation of all of God’s chosen people. God has determined that all for whom Christ sacrificed Himself will be saved. [Mat 1:21, Mat 11:27, John 3:16-18, John 10:14-16, John 14:21-24, Acts 13:48, Titus 2:14, Psalms85:2, John 5:21,24, John 10:26-27, John 17:2,9-10, Acts 15:14, Heb 7:25-26, Isaiah 53:8, John 6:35-40, John 12:37-40, Acts 10:40-41, Rom 11:7, Rev 5:9.]
I- Irrestible Grace- The Holy Spirit regenerates every one of God’s chosen people, enabling them to believe. The Holy Spirit graciously regenerates every one of God’s chosen people, creating within them a new heart and enabling them to freely and willingly believe in Christ as Savior and Lord. The New Birth precedes and makes possible Saving Faith. Life gives Faith. [Psalms 65:4, John 6:37-39,44,65, Rom11:5-6, Rom 8:30, Rom 9:15-18, Isaiah 55:11, Eph 2:1-5,8-10, 2 Tim 1:9-10, Eze 36:26-27, John 5:21, John 3:6, Galatians 1:15-16, Phil 1:6,29, John 1:12-13, Heb 9:15, Phil 2:13, Acts. 13:48, Acts 18:27]
P- Perseverance of the Saints – All who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in Faith by the Power of Almighty God and therefore continue to persevere in faith. [John 5:24, John 10:27-29, John 17:2,12, Rom 8 35-39, Rom 5:9, Eph 2:4-6, 1 John 3:9, 5:4-5,11-13, Isaiah 46:3-4, Rom 9:6-8, 1 Pet 1:3-5, Psalms 37:28, Rom 11:29, Phil 1:6, Jer 32:39-40, Psalm 20:6,121:1-8, 1 Cor 1:6-8, 15:10, Heb 13:20-21, Eph 1:13-14, 1 Thes 5:23-24, Heb 6:17-19]
If you made it this far, congratulations! I would now ask you to carefully consider this doctrine and study the verses I have listed. This is coming from a calvinist and not someone thinking they know the doctrines without actually studying them. If you read this and disagree, that’s OK. If you read this and still make false assumptions about what calvinism truly is, then shame on you. If you would like to reason with me through scripture then I am more than willing to do that. I believe these are extremely important doctrines that express God’s Sovereignty over salvation but I will not say one must believe exactly as I do to be saved. I will say that God gives knowledge, and just following what you have been told by parents, grandparents, pastors or others is not always the best practice. Be willing to learn, be willing to reform. This is Gods word, so before you condemn other believers who hold to these doctrines ask yourself if you really know and understand what you think you do. With a humble heart, pray for discernment and don’t slander others because of a lack of knowledge.
No King but Christ 